Instant Messaging with Miranda
I could never get use to using Trillian (on 2 attempts) and have never tried gaim but this week I started using Miranda as a primary IM client to replace both MSN and ICQ. There are advantages on keeping MSN and ICQ separate but MSN Spam has been increasing daily and I've been trying to avoid the upgraded to 5. Besides the new MSN Messager looking terrible, Steven lists many more problems with v5.
Miranda IM is a multi protocol instant messenger client for Windows. Miranda IM uses very little memory and is extremely fast. It requires no installation and can be fitted on a single floppy disc. Its powerful plugin system makes Miranda IM very flexible. Only the most basic features are built in, but there are currently more than 150 free plugins available for download that allows users to extend the functionality of Miranda IM. [Miranda-im.org]
Miranda's biggest obstacle is getting it setup because the original install will probably not do what you want it to. The software relies heavily on Plugins. This can be a hassle or intimidating for some but on the other hand it allows you only to install the features you want.
I have installed/enabled the following plugins:
- msn.dll: A must have to communicate on the msn network and allow hotmail notifications.
- changeinfo.dll: Required to allow you to change user details from Miranda without loading ICQ or MSN.
- nHistory.dll: Maintain chat history on both ICQ and MSN. The history maintains in the chat window even after closing.
- pop3.dll: Currently disabled but designed to notify when emails are received. (multiple account support).
- rss.dll: A news reader that sends instant messages as updates are found. This is fine but since it sends as a text message, it does not format the content as a normal reader would.
- PopUp.dll: Small popup notifications (location is customizable) for messages received or hotmail notifications.
- smilevadd.dll: Another plugin I have disabled but adds the smiley faces used in ICQ and MSN.
- nCovers.dll: Changes the appearance and it changes some of the settings in Miranda so I don't recommend downloading it unless another plugin requires it.
- jabber.dll: Jabber is currently only supported in the nightly builds so this may not work for everybody.
I'll admit that Trillian left a bad taste in my mouth on combining multiple IM services but so far after more then a week of using Miranda I have been happy and pleased with the way it works. Here are a few key features I've liked with Miranda:
- One of the nicer features of Miranda and Trillian is the ability to customize contact names to what ever you want. As long as I'm using Miranda, I can stop complaining about MSN handles. Miranda makes it easy to use any field from the users profile as the handle or allows you to create your own.
- I have the ability to dictate what I want your font and colors to be as well. It can be annoying when your talking to somebody and their fonts are hard to read or even changing colors.
- No more msn spam now that I have an option not to accept any messages if the sender is not on my contact list.
- Detailed control over each contact with the following: Ignore messages, Ignore URLs, Ignore files, Suppress auth request, Suppress online notification, Ignore All, Ignore none.
- Easily hide/show offline users by right-clicking the contact list.
- The Miranda window auto resizes to perfectly fit the number of online users. There is never a scroll bar.
Please feel free to argue any of these points especially if you are a Trillian fan.